Amid rising pressure on India’s Christian community, police and senior officials raided St. Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, on Nov. 5 after media reports accused it of converting tribal students to Christianity. The five-hour operation involved searches and questioning of 23 seminarians, according to UCA News.
Father Harshal Ammaparambil, the seminary’s rector, said officers arrived unannounced and searched every nook and cranny. He added that they presented all documents, including baptismal certificates and parental consent letters, to show that only Catholic students are admitted.
According to sources, after a detailed inquiry, the Superintendent of Police confirmed to reporters that all students at St. Joseph Seminary are Catholics by birth. Authorities verified official IDs, parental documents, and other records establishing that families voluntarily sent the boys for education and formation.
The investigation followed a report from a local daily, Dainik Bhaskar, alleging the institution admitted poor tribal boys, educated them, and converted them into priests. Church administrators dismissed the story as false and misleading, accusing the paper of spreading misinformation. Authorities have formed a three-member committee to probe the claims within five days. A district officer confirmed the inquiry is underway but gave no details.
Christian leaders condemned the action as part of growing hostility toward minorities under the BJP-led state government. Daniel John, a Catholic leader from Bhopal, said the administration acts swiftly when targeting Christian institutions but fails to respond when believers come under attack.